Feature Productions Delivers MMA Coverage with Broadcast Pix

BILLERICA, MASS. – Broadcast Pixannounced
that Feature Productions, a live production company based in Lethbridge, Alberta,
Canada, is using Broadcast Pix Slate 1000 Video Control Centers as part of two portable
production flypacks for live coverage of Mixed Martial Arts matches and other events.
The company had been renting a Slate-equipped flypack since 2009, but began using
its own flypack in late May.

In southern Alberta, Feature Productions has gained a reputation for MMA video production
and now works with four different MMA affiliations. According to co-owner Chris
Cooke, the company was originally hired to provide image magnification—featuring
live coverage, instant replays, graphics, and commercials— to on-site audiences.
However, event promoters took notice of the HD productions and began offering them
to broadcasters. Some matches are also streamed to GoFightLive, an online pay-per-view
service.

Although Cooke and co-owner Steve Prankard designed and built the first flypack
three years ago, pairing the Slate with Sony cameras and a Yamaha audio board, the
system was purchased through an investor. Earlier this year, Feature Productions
purchased the new flypack, which is also anchored by a Slate but features JVC cameras
and some logistical improvements.

Cooke estimated that 80 percent of the company’s business is live production. Beyond
MMA, Feature Productions produces corporate events, conferences, and Western Major
Baseball League coverage. Currently in the second year of a three-year contract,
Feature Productions also handles video scoreboard productions for the ENMAX Centre
in Lethbridge. Home of the Western Hockey League Lethbridge Hurricanes and host
to a number of concerts and other events, the venue features a control room built
around a Broadcast Pix Granite 2000.